National Grid is making the rounds in Central New York this week with its energy-efficiency van, a natural gas-powered vehicle designed to attract attention to utility programs that help consumers save energy.

Thursday's stop: noon to 9 p.m. at The Home Depot, 7922 Route 11, Cicero. Friday, the van will be at The Home Depot in DeWitt. It will spend the weekend at Carousel Center mall. Look for a van wrapped in the image of a polar bear.

Visitors can pick up free items like aluminum water bottles and reusable grocery bags, and they can learn about National Grid's rebate programs for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. Computers also will be available for visitors to explore two utility Web sites -- www.thinksmartthinkgreen.com and www.nationalgridfloe.com -- which have information about conservation and efficiency.

After this week, the van pulls out for Watertown, Utica and points beyond.